7 Huey choppers of PH Air Force to return to service

Seven downed Huey UH-1 helicopters of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing will soon return to fleet using the the spare parts donated by Japan./ PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE

MANILA, Philippines — Seven unserviceable Huey UH-1 helicopters of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing will soon return to service with the impending repair using the spare parts donated by Japan.

Air Force spokesperson Maj. Aris Galang said the spare parts provided by the Japanese government early this year will be used to repair the helicopters starting Monday, Oct. 7.

“The restoration and maintenance of UH-1 aircraft are vital in performing missions such as humanitarian assistance and disaster response, transport, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance activities of the Philippine Air Force,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

The Hueys are the primary workhorse of the Philippine Air Force.

The Philippines is the very first recipient of excess defense articles from Japan, after the latter lifted its decades-long self-imposed ban on weapons exports. Last year, Japan completed the donation of five C-90 patrol aircraft to the Philippine Navy. /je